Holly Springs (NC) recognizes Citizens Academy graduates, community achievements and heritage observances during April meeting
Council honors 25 residents completing Citizens Academy and issues proclamations for Asian Pacific American, Jewish American heritage and Apraxia Awareness
Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 24, 2026 — The Holly Springs Town Council opened its April 21st meeting by recognizing a mix of local residents, town achievements, and community-wide observances, highlighting both individual participation in local government and broader cultural and awareness initiatives.
The largest recognition of the night centered on the 2026 Holly Springs Citizens Academy graduation, where 25 residents were recognized for completing the town’s seven-week program designed to give participants an understanding of how local government operates. The program includes sessions on public safety, growth management, transportation, parks and recreation, and town finances, as well as direct interaction with staff and elected officials.
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Graduates recognized by the council included Alejandra Orjuela, Alissa Cane, Alyssa Garrick, Andrew Evans, Cathy Bennett, Chanel Wilkins, Christopher Ward, Daniel Cruz, Dave Tiberi, Edward Lilla, Fran Behr, Fred Stehle, Jennifer Mann, John Buzzell, John Petersen, Josh Diaz, Joy Rhan, Kathy Young, Larry Gaines, Linda Gardner Crandall, Tagwa Elmubarak, Tony Grant, Toya Dones, and Trish Amoroso.
During the ceremony, participants described the program as both informative and engaging, with one graduate calling it “totally worth it” and encouraging others to participate, while another said the experience provided a clearer understanding of how the town operates and how residents can contribute to decisions.
Beyond individual recognitions, the council also highlighted town-level achievements, including national and statewide recognition for service delivery and communications. Holly Springs received the “Leading the Way Award” from ETC Institute, placing the town in the top 10 percent of local governments nationwide for overall service quality, customer service, and perceived value for taxes and fees.
The town’s Communications and Marketing Department was also recognized for earning eight awards at the North Carolina City & County Communicators conference, including six first-place honors for work ranging from social media and newsletters to public service messaging and event promotion.
Council also issued a series of proclamations recognizing cultural heritage and community awareness efforts observed in May.
The council proclaimed May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, noting the growing presence of Asian American and Pacific Islander residents in Holly Springs and their contributions across education, business, and science. During the proclamation, Mayor Mike Kondratick highlighted both the historical roots of these communities and their increasing role in shaping the town today.
The council followed with a proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, acknowledging the long history of Jewish Americans in both North Carolina and the nation, as well as their contributions across fields including industry, the arts, and public service.
A third proclamation designated May 14th as Apraxia Awareness Day in Holly Springs, drawing attention to childhood apraxia of speech, a neurological disorder that affects a child’s ability to plan and produce speech. The proclamation emphasized the importance of early intervention and community awareness to improve outcomes for children and families affected by the condition.
Together, the recognitions and proclamations reflected both the town’s internal focus on civic engagement through programs like the Citizens Academy and its broader effort to acknowledge the diversity and experiences of residents across the community.